Getting to Hanoi after a long flight, you may feel confused at first, but don’t worry, as we will provide you with useful information upon your first time in Hanoi. Where to exchange money, how to get yourself some mobile data to use for the stay, or where are the most tourist-friendly hotels in the city, you will find the answers to those questions after reading this blog!
Some Quick Heads-ups for Your First Time in Hanoi
- There is one international airport, which is the Noi Bai International Airport. Therefore, if you’re traveling to Hanoi from overseas, you’ll arrive at the T2 – the International Terminal at the airport.
- Local food and drinks in Hanoi are quite cheap and taste incredible.
- Nightlife in Hanoi is particularly lively with nice and inexpensive beers.
- Most touristy areas (Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, Ba Dinh districts) are pedestrian-friendly, but do look out for the heavy traffic and pickpockets.
Arriving at Noi Bai International Airport on Your First Time in Hanoi
Currency exchange
The unit of currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The currency exchange at Noi Bai airport does not offer attractive rates compared to other Money Exchange Spots in The City of Hanoi. This is a favorable option only if you need a small amount of cash for taxi fares.
Tips: Vietnamese banknotes are issued in VND 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, and 500,000. Be careful not to confuse the VND 20,000 and VND 500,000 bills, as they look quite similar.
Mobile Data Plan in Hanoi
Obtaining a local Vietnamese SIM card upon arrival in Hanoi is of significant importance. Viettel and Vinaphone SIM cards are the two reliable brands with extensive network coverage and sufficient data plans, all of which you can find in the arrival hall of Noi Bai Airport.
Since November 2016, to purchase a SIM card, you have to show your ID or passport. The staff at the kiosks will assist you with the registration and SIM activation process within less than 10 minutes.
See our full guide for Arriving at Noi Bai Airport
Where to Stay for Your First Time in Hanoi
For first-time visitors, staying in the Old Quarter area can give you easy access to Hanoi’s most famous attractions. However, note that this area may be a bit noisy at night, and some hotels may charge higher than normal.
If you prefer quieter places, hotels in Hai Ba Trung District or Tay Ho District are better options. These are also central areas, but with fewer tourists.
Hanoi offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxurious amenities to cost-conscious dorms and homestays. You can search in the form below to find the most suitable option for your needs.
Klook.comHanoi At a Glance for Your First Time in Hanoi
Nothing can be quite like the first time you do something; the same goes for your first time in Hanoi. Experience Hanoi to the fullest while walking along its many tree-lined boulevards in the Old Quarter, enjoying street-side coffee and beers, biking around the West Lake, or seeing a water puppet show. Day or night, the old city with delicate touches of modern technology will awaken something memorable in you.
Food and Drinks to Try in Hanoi
Where to Try Egg Coffee in Hanoi
Find bus tickets to travel from Hanoi:
Our Takes on Your First Time in Hanoi
Hanoi definitely has a little bit of charm of the old and new for everyone. It is a relatively safe city to visit. No way anyone can be an expert on Hanoi the first time you hear about it, but there is always something new about this city that makes you fall in love.
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